OVERVIEW

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) stands as the exclusive national youth sports organization in the United States mandating satisfactory academic performance from its participants before granting them the opportunity to engage in sports activities. We firmly believe that our established standards instill a sense of responsibility in these young individuals, fostering an appreciation for both academics and athletics that will contribute to their holistic development in the future. Similar to esteemed organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of High Schools (NHFS), PWLS upholds academic guidelines and criteria that must be met for a child to be eligible for participation. 

SCHOLASTIC FITNESS

national policy

Documentation of acceptable academic progress is a prerequisite. A minimum grade point average of 2.0/70% or its equivalent is mandated for eligibility to participate. In instances of uncertainty, conflicting opinions, or the absence of a valid report card, the nationally published scholastic eligibility form will be employed and considered conclusive.

NOTE: The stipulation regarding scholastic grades remains unalterable by any team, association, or league, in contrast to other rules which may be subject to modification. Participation in Regional/National sponsored championships or bowl games is contingent upon a local team/squad satisfying the scholastic requirements delineated in the nationally published standards.

What if I don't have a 2.0/70% grade point average?

We acknowledge that not all student-athletes may fulfill our scholastic criteria. If a student does not meet the standards for scholastic fitness, they have the option to complete and submit a Scholastic Eligibility Form. This form is intended for participants in the Pop Warner program who have not achieved the National Scholastic Requirement of 70 percent and/or a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) at the time of certification.

ALL-AMERICAN SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Annually, the most academically accomplished participants in Pop Warner vie for Academic All-American status. This selection process commences at the association level and progresses through each of the eight Pop Warner regions before culminating at the national level. In the year 2014, over 325,000 students were engaged in Pop Warner activities. As our participation numbers once again achieved record levels, an unprecedented volume of All-American Scholar applications, exceeding 9,700, were submitted.

The eligibility criteria for the Pop Warner All-American Program necessitate a minimum 96% grade point average for application. After the thorough processing of applications, Pop Warner identifies individuals as National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 35 cheer per grade), National Second Team All-Americans, and National Honorable Mention Scholars.